Report on Two-day national seminar on "Sustainable Development in India: Retrospect and Prospects"
The two-day national seminar on "Sustainable Development in India: Retrospect and Prospects" was conducted by N.S.S Training College, Ottapalam with the collaboration of Kerala Institute of Local Administration. It was concluded successfully on 13th & 14th, July 2023 witnessing enthusiastic participation from academics, policymakers, experts, and students from various fields. The event aimed to assess the progress made in sustainable development in India and explore strategies for a more sustainable future. Dr. Seema Menon K P, Seminar Coordinator starts with warm welcome speech. She was explained about the aims of the seminar and the current scenario of the Sustainable Development Goals. Also she spoke about the formulation of sustainable development was defined as: For development to be sustainable, it must take account of social and ecological factors, as well as economic ones; of the living and non-living resource base; and of the long-term as well as the short-term advantages and disadvantages of alternative actions. The seminar commenced with an auspicious inauguration ceremony, where the lamp was lit by esteemed dignitaries, signifying the illumination of knowledge. The Chief Guest, Dr. Joy Elamon, Director General, KILA delivered an inspiring inaugural speech, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development in India's growth story. The first day keynote address by G. Palanithurai, Professor, Gandhi Gram Rural University, Tamil Nadu, provided a comprehensive overview of the journey so far in sustainable development and Education in the country. It highlighted the efforts made by various sectors and stakeholders and underscored the need for continued commitment towards sustainability. After the lunch break the next presentation keynote address by Dr. Saroj Kumar Dash, CB Expert, SDG Cell, P & C Department, Govt. of Odisha, focused on "Understanding the Progress of Sustainable Development in India." Expert speakers shed light on critical topics such as environmental conservation, biodiversity, renewable energy initiatives, and the role of social inclusion in sustainable development. Participants engaged in lively discussions and posed thoughtful questions during the Q&A segment. After the main session presentations, the seminar continued by paper presentation. The students and teachers who had registered for the seminar presented the papers on topics such as Sustainable Development Goals, Effects of Sustainable Development Goals on the economy, Education and Sustainable development goals. Etc.
On the second day of the seminar, discussions delved into various aspects of sustainable development, with a primary focus on economic growth and sustainability. The session on Local Planning through SDG framework handled by Mr. K.B. Madan Mohan, CEO, Kerala Grama Panchayath Association (KGPA) Thiruvananthapuram, explored ways to align economic growth with environmental conservation. Experts shared successful circular economy models that aim to reduce waste and promote sustainable consumption and production. And after that next Key note address by Mr. Karthick Gopal .C, Project Manager, Kerala Youth Leadership Academy (KYLA) Govt. of Kerala. The session was focused on Youth Involvement in the Sustainable Development Goals Context and How to create better economic participation among college students and other community volunteers for Innovations to the Sustainable Development. And discussed about the Smart cities and sustainable urban development, along with the role of information technology in environmental conservation, were explored in depth.
Throughout the seminar, vibrant discussions emerged, bringing together diverse perspectives from academia, government, industry, and civil society. Participants acknowledged the significant progress made in India's sustainable development journey over the years. They also highlighted the challenges that lie ahead, calling for stronger collaborations and innovative solutions. The seminar provided a valuable platform for networking and knowledge sharing, with participants expressing their enthusiasm for future collaborations and partnerships in the field of sustainability. The event concluded with a closing ceremony, where participants and organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the speakers, panellists, and attendees for their valuable contributions. The Seminar Coordinator, Dr. Seema Menon K P, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the seminar and highlighted that the insights gained would contribute to the on-going efforts towards sustainable development in India. And finally, the Vote of thanks was handled by Ms. Sukanya K.U, Research Scholar, NSS Training College, Ottapalam. Along with this, added that sustainable development can only be made possible through social inclusion, including those at the bottom of the society.
The national seminar on sustainable development left an indelible mark on the minds of all attendees, inspiring them to work collectively for a greener and more sustainable India.
